In a recent University of Michigan study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society involving adults 66 and older, those who were fitted with a hearing aid after being diagnosed with hearing loss were less likely after three years to be dementia, depression, or be injured by a fall.

1. People who fitted with hearing aids had an 18% lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
2. The risk of depression was 11% lower
3. The risk of being injured in a fall was 13% lower.

How is this possible? It is not likely that hearing aids directly prevent the development of these conditions. Rather, it’s role probably lies in how they delay their onset. In addition, the loss of hearing diminishes social interaction which has been shown to hasten dementia.

Unfortunately, most people wait 10 years after the diagnosis of hearing loss before getting hearing aids due to their stigma and cost. Medicare currently does not pay for hearing aids, which can cost between one and four thousand dollars.

You’d be very surprised to “hear” how far hearing aids have come. Firsthand, the money you’d save in the long run will far offset your initial investment. Second, your quality of life will improve immensely. Third, hearing aids are becoming more discrete. The embarrassing stigma of having people repeat and raise their voice would also be a thing of the past. Finally, the technology of hearing aids has decreased much of the whistling and interference once common in most of these devices.
Get your hearing checked annually and take the next step to a healthier and possibly longer life.